More Young People Are Dying of Colon Cancer

[JHan]

While rates of cancers tied to human papillomavirus, or HPV, have been rising in recent years, that virus causes cancers mainly of the cervix, back of the throat and anus, and scientists do not believe sexual behaviors or HPV are driving the increase in colon or rectal cancer (anal and rectal cancers are distinct).

Obesity, a diet high in red or processed meats and lack of physical activity are among the factors tied to increased risk, but new research is looking at other possible causes. One recent study found, for example, that prolonged use of antibiotics during adulthood was associated with a greater risk of developing precancerous polyps, possibly because antibiotics can alter the makeup of the gut microbiome.

Scientists are also exploring whether the colorectal cancers emerging in younger adults are different from those seen in older people — and whether they can be detected and treated with the same tools. There is some evidence that young people are more likely to have precancerous polyps that are harder to see and remove during a colonoscopy because of their location in the colon or because they are flat rather than tubular, according to Dr. Otis Brawley, who is chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society.

The findings add to the urgency to find reliable ways to detect colorectal cancer early in young people. Most medical groups have for years recommended people start routine screening only at age 50 unless they have specific risk factors, like a family history of the disease or chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease that raise the risk. One organization, the American College of Gastroenterology, recommends that African-Americans start routine screening at 45 because they are at higher risk for colorectal cancer than whites.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/22/well/live/more-young-people-are-dying-of-colon-cancer.html?mcubz=3

From the comments section:

"Tanny Massachusetts August 23, 2017

My son died of Stage 4 colon cancer in 2012 just after his 28th birthday. His path from diagnosis to death was 84 days. Part of the reason his cancer was detected so late was his feeling that he was too young to be that sick, that his back pain would pass. The back pain was likely from his huge liver tumor. After his brother's death, his older brother had a colonoscopy at age 30 which revealed over 30 polyps. He has since had his sigmoid colon removed and is doing well. We have no family history indicating a risk for colon cancer and both were healthy young men. Even for me, a hospice nurse at the time, colon cancer was certainly the last diagnosis I expected in my big strong kid. At this point, research into this phenomenon is early but I'm glad it's happening so we can identify the reason for the increase and establish a plan for reversing it. In the meantime, sharing articles like this with younger folks and encouragement not to deny GI symptoms can be lifesaving. Nobody really likes talking about their bowels but the alternative is far worse."

[Docreed2003]

1. K&R

I've seen more young people with colon cancer in the past year than I have in my entire career. What we think we know is ever evolving in medicine!

[JHan]

2. Yep, I hope there's more info about this trend soon

The statistics are shocking.

[PennyK]

3. New tests much simpler

My new gynecologist gave me a test kit which looks a lot easier to take than the traditional colonoscopy prep. You have to collect poop samples for three days, and you have to observe some dietary restrictions, but OMG it's so much easier. And not a colonoscopy!
No red meat, no citrus or Vitamin C megadose, no NSAIDS. I think I'd rather, thank you very much!

[Ms. Toad]

4. I wouldn't rely on those, if there is any reason to expect an increased risk.

Colon cancer is easy to beat if caught early - nearly impossible if caughter later.

Certainly adding non-invasive tests as screening tests when there are no known risks is a good thing, because an unexpected test can justify a follow-up colonoscopy. But if the standard screening guidelines indicate you should have a colonoscopy - don't skip it in favor of a non-invasive tests.

My daughter has been having colonoscopies since just before her 5th birthday - so far, so good. Hyperplasia, but no dysplaisa . . . but the cancer she is at risk for would not be caught early enough to treat and survive using the non-invasive tests. And my brother died of metastatic colon cancera little over a year ago - less than a year after diagnosis following very aggressive treatment.

You think a colonoscopy is inconvenient? Try colon cancer!